In first major interview, Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg outlines bold turnaround strategy for Boeing and is upbeat on the progress and the future for the aerospace giant.
In his first in-depth interview since taking the helm of Boeing in August 2024, new President and CEO Kelly Ortberg met with Aviation Week editors inside the company’s iconic 737 final assembly plant in Renton. Candid and clear-eyed about Boeing’s challenges, Ortberg laid out his vision for restoring the aerospace giant’s reputation, stabilizing its operations, and eventually launching the next era of commercial aviation.
Ortberg didn’t mince words when addressing the company’s current state: “We’re in the early innings of our recovery,” he said. “We’re still in a negative cash situation.” But he struck a tone of cautious optimism, projecting that Boeing will be financially healthy enough to pivot toward future innovation in the coming years.
Ortberg with Aviation Week editors (from left) Joe Anselmo, Sean Broderick and (far right) Guy Norris in front of the 737 MAX west assembly line. Credit: Marian Lockhart/Boeing
“Get Healthy First”
Asked where Boeing is prioritizing research as it eyes a future commercial aircraft, Ortberg said the focus remains squarely on stabilizing current programs.
“Our near-term priority is getting our development programs through certification,” he said, highlighting the critical path to completing the 737 MAX 7 and MAX 10 variants by year’s end. “Those airplanes are very important to our customers and our backlog.”
The 777-9, the world’s largest twin-engine widebody, also remains a key milestone. With four aircraft currently in flight testing, Ortberg called it “a game-changing platform” and a centerpiece of Boeing’s widebody strategy.
New Aircraft? “All Thumbs-Down for Now”
Ortberg made it clear that Boeing is not yet ready to launch a new airplane, despite pressure from emerging competitors and shifting market demands, particularly in the midmarket segment.
“When is the market ready? When is the technology ready? When are we ready? Those are the three work streams,” Ortberg explained. “Right now, they all have a thumbs-down.”
While Boeing continues to monitor the midmarket closely — especially as startups like JetZero gain attention — Ortberg emphasized discipline over urgency. “Looking is one thing. Launching is another,” he said.
Playing Catch-Up, But Not Counting Out
Ortberg dismissed concerns that Airbus has pulled irreversibly ahead in the narrowbody race, even as Boeing lags behind in certifying the 737-10.
“We need to get that airplane certified so we can compete,” he acknowledged, while expressing strong confidence in Boeing’s widebody lineup. “We’re doing things in our labs that we’re not talking about to be prepared for the next generation.”
777X Delay: “Still Shocked”
Ortberg admitted he never imagined the 777X, which launched in 2013, would still be waiting for entry into service in 2025.
“I’m still shocked,” he said, pointing to increased regulatory scrutiny in the wake of the MAX crisis as a key factor. “It’s amazing it’s not in service yet — but it isn’t — and our job is to get it over the finish line.”
Despite the delays, Ortberg is bullish on the aircraft’s prospects. “The performance of the four flying test aircraft is fantastic,” he said. “Customers have stuck with us because they see the value. I think it’s going to be a great product for us.”
